Anacortes
Here is a map with a few points of interest, and will give you a general layout of Anacortes and Fidalgo Island.
1) Wedding Venue
2) Washington Park – Lovely place for hiking, picnics, camp grounds, launch a boat, paddle board or kayak
3) Ferry to San Juan Islands – If you’re looking for a little day trip, Friday Harbor is about an hour ferry ride, and you don’t need to bring your car!
4) Ship Harbor Inn – Closest hotel to the wedding venue
5) Ferry to Guemes Island
6) Guemes Island – Small island with a general store that serves dinner and has live music in the summers
7) Old Town – This is the heart of Anacortes and is where most hotels and restaurants are located.
8) Fidalgo RV Park & Cabins – For those RVing.
9) Mt Erie – Beautiful lookout or strenuous hike for the athletes
10) Deception Pass Park – A must for those coming to Washington for the first time
Airports:
– Bellingham International Airport is the closest airport. It is a smaller airport and serves most of the West Coast and a few other select cities. It is about 1 hr from Anacortes.
– SeaTac International Airport is the largest airport in the area. It is about 1 hr 45 min from Anacortes.
Where to Eat:
There are lots of great places to eat in Anacortes! For your culinary adventures, some of our favorite spots include…
– Anthony’s/The Cabana – Anothony’s is the ultimate Washington restaurant serving seafood among other things. Beautiful location right on the water. More upscale dining. Next door is their casual option, The Cabana that has a limited menu, all outdoor seating and a bocce ball court.
– Fridas – Gourmet Mexican fare, not your traditional burrito/taco joint. Excellent margaritas too!
– Adrift – Best brunch location in Anacortes!
– A-Town Bistro – Local Pacific Northwest farm to table fare with an excellent cocktail menu.
– The Brown Lantern Ale House – Classic bar with live music
– Union Tavern – Best beer list in town and good grub too.
– Dad’s Diner – Smoked meats and dynamite breakfast.
Things to do:
There will be down time over the weekend, and I know many of your plan to make this a vacation as well. Here are some fun things to make sure you add into your calendar.
– Deception Pass – An absolute must if this if your first trip to Washington.
– Washington Park – Very close to our wedding venue, beautiful 220 acre park with a paved 2.2 mile loop road and many hiking trails throughout.
– Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals – There are a couple companies in town that rent kayaks and paddle boards, give lessons, and tours.
– Whistle Lake – A short hike into nature brings you to Whistle Lake, a pristine spot for swimming, rock jumping, and general hanging out.
– Mt Erie – Beautiful scenic lookout that you can drive to the top, or hike one of the many trails.
– Ferry to Friday Harbor – The ferry will take you to numerous other islands, however we suggest Friday Harbor. You don’t need to bring a car, the ferry takes you right into the heart of Friday Harbor, a charming little town full of shops and restaurants. Note: If you plan on bringing a car, in the summer you will need to make a reservation for the ferry.
– Guemes Island General Store – From the other ferry terminal in town, you can walk on the ferry to Guemes Island and check out the General Store, which serves dinner and has live music in the summer months.
– Predators of the Heart – Wold encounter, meet and greet with one of the largest wolf packs in Washington. Learn about conservation efforts from this exotic rescue.
– Seattle – Seattle is a 1 hr 45 minute drive from Anacortes and is full of fun! Check out Pike Place Market, the Freemont troll, the gum wall, Queen Anne Beer Hall, the waterfront, aviation museum, canoe rentals, the Space Needle, and so much more!